Behaviour-based Safety as a Strategic Instrument for Accident Reduction in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry

Abstract

Aims: This study was carried out to test the impact of behaviour-based safety (BBS) implementation on accident rates. Specifically, the study aimed to identify whether the implementation of BBS programme led to the reduction in accidents among workers in the petroleum industry in Nigeria. Study design:  This study was based on a multiple case study design. Place of Study: The study was carried out on petroleum industry in the Nigerian Niger Delta region. Methodology: Questionnaire was deployed as the research instrument and was distributed to 50 workers in the Nigerian petroleum industry. Stratified random sampling technique was utilized to select the workers. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation. Results: Findings from the study indicated that the implementation of BBS programme was effective in reducing accidents. Therefore, organizations that aim to address unsafe acts, at-risk behaviours, and accidents due to human frailties and performance difficulties can adopt BBS as a safety tool to drive improved safety culture. Conclusion: This study established that implementation of BBS resulted in the reduction of accident rate in the Nigerian petroleum industry. The implication is that organizational leaders can deploy BBS as an instrument to drive positive changes in safety culture to reduce accidents. Though this study concluded that implementation of BBS contributes to reduction in accident, further study is recommended to address the proportion of accidents that the implementation of BBS impacts